Senator Bates’ Statement on Governor’s Death Penalty Announcement

The lethal injection chamber at San Quentin State Prison, photographed in 2010.

SACRAMENTO – Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) issued the following statement today in response to Governor Newsom’s announcement that he will suspend California’s death penalty:
“I’m disappointed that today’s action undermines the will of California’s voters who spoke clearly in 2016 to reaffirm the death penalty.

“The announcement benefits people like Randy Kraft who butchered at least 16 young men and Scott Peterson who was convicted of murdering his wife and their unborn child. It sends the terrible message that the taking of innocent life will not be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

“Handing out unearned reprieves will only add to the pain felt by many of the victims’ relatives.”

Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) represents the 36th Senate District in the California Legislature, which covers South Orange County, North San Diego County, and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton